Shimla
In a major move to protect Shimla’s fragile ecology and historic character, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to re-notify most of the city’s congested core area as a ‘No Construction Zone’. Once the final notification comes into force, private construction of new buildings will be completely prohibited in the notified areas.
The government said the decision was prompted by the city’s increasing environmental stress, unregulated construction and rising traffic congestion, which have put pressure on Shimla’s carrying capacity. The restriction aims to safeguard green belts, natural slopes and the town’s heritage. However, government buildings serving public needs and reconstruction of old structures in their original architectural form will be exempt.
The proposed no-construction zone covers several prominent locations, including the upper Sanjauli Road area, College of Excellence, IGMC, Lakkar Bazaar, The Ridge, Mall Road, Rani Jhansi Park, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Clarkes Hotel, Oak Over and Chhota Shimla.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department is expected to issue a draft notification this week, inviting objections and suggestions from the public. Notably, around one-and-a-half years ago, the Shimla Development Plan-2041 had allowed limited self-use construction in these green belt areas. The latest decision is likely to reignite the debate over balancing environmental conservation with urban development.
